Hailing a Freedom Fighter: The Legacy of John Lewis
THE ISSUE: The death of civil-rights champion Rep. John Lewis at the age of 80 on Friday.
I have an urge to cause some “good trouble” in honor of Rep. John Lewis (“Civil rights icon dies,” July 18).
His moral authority, political acumen and unrivaled bravery will be sorely missed.
Lewis was a true fighter for the Constitution and an advocate for the rule of law, liberty and independence.
The bigots and segregationists could never subdue his spirit. It only made his thirst for justice and equality even stronger.
Lewis made change happen, and we must continue to act, too. I wish I could personally thank him for the positive impact he had on our country.
My heart aches for his family and friends. May we summon his wisdom, class, strategy and resilience in our current struggle against racism. Henry Wilson Barrington, Ill.
Student activist, elected representative and elder statesman Rep. Lewis taught this nation two important lessons: First, the fight for civil rights and social justice is never over; and second, the right to vote is universal.
To honor his legacy, I plan to vote this fall as Lewis would have. I hope all Americans will. Denny Freidenrich Laguna Beach, Calif.
Rep. Lewis was a follower of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and adhered to his principle of nonviolent protest of injustice.
He earned his credentials and battle scars in the 1960s, during which he fought for an end to segregation at a time when it was widely accepted in many parts of the country.
During 34 years in Congress, there was never a hint of scandal or impropriety, rather Rep. Lewis’ career was characterized by dedication and hard work to make his district and the country better.
The best tribute to this great man would be to honor his tenets: to make our nation a place of tolerance, acceptance, color-blindness and peace.
May John Lewis enjoy eternal peace. In his time on Earth, he was a true servant of God.
Oren Spiegler Peters Township, Pa.
Rep. Lewis was a man for all seasons and for all people. During his long career in politics, he became one of the nation’s most visible and outspoken voices for advancing the civil-rights movement.
He was unjustly attacked and seriously injured during the 1965 march in Selma, Ala. But that did not stop him from continuing to fight for the rights of African Americans and others, which he did with no fear.
Our country has lost a true champion and a fighter for a just cause. Let us continue his fight nonviolently and peacefully for all people in our nation for equality and civil justice. John Amato
Fresh Meadows
While one might disagree with some of Lewis’ political positions, no one of moral character could ever deny the goodness of this man.
More important, people of color today can eat in any restaurant, go to any public school and university, live in any neighborhood and follow his or her own dreams because of courageous individuals like Rep. Lewis.
That doesn’t mean everything is perfect — for we still have work to do. But we could best serve this iconic figure’s memory by peacefully advocating for equality for everyone.
Lewis’ legacy serves as an example of what we could be through a peaceful unified effort for pragmatic social reform. James Nobles
Zebulon, Ga.
Lewis fought faithfully side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for civil rights and human rights in America.
I will always honor and respect Lewis for putting his life on the line for equality, freedom and justice in America and around the world.
Rep. Lewis, the conscience of the Congress, fought the forward fight against racism, classism and sexism to the day he died. Just as he did when Dr. King was alive. Arthur Mackey
Roosevelt
Rep. Lewis has died at 80 — now there’s a statue we can erect rather than tear down. Bill King
Elizabeth, NJ